2017 IKKU Fall Clinic Group Photo at Tora Shin Karate Kai – Hombu Dojo
The 2017 IKKU Fall Clinic was conducted Saturday, October 8, 2017, in Social Circle, GA. at Tora Shin Karate Kai. The clinic followed the 2017 IKKU Black Belt Test that was conducted earlier that same day. Both events were hosted by Hanshi Ron Downton at the IKKU Hombu Dojo. Participants from all around were represented with a total of 26 attendees and 10 Dojos for this special afternoon session.
Kensei Kata (拳生)
Soke Joe Ruiz reached into his bag of knowledge and offered the group a special high dan kata entitled Kensei. Typically reserved for Rokudans (6th Dan) and above, Soke opened his heart and shared the kata with our group. While researching the kata title you might encounter several different translations that aren’t applicable. Translations from Silent Kia to Sword Saint are frequent, but our kata takes a different direction. Our Kata uses the “Ken” from Kenpo and the “Sei” from Sensei to combine into the title Kensei. Our translation is simply known as “Fist Way” or “The Way of the Fist“.
Following the clinic, many high-level dans were requested onto the floor for a surprise round of Bunkai. Soke would call out a particular Bunkai Series for a chosen kata, and the selected High Dan would then execute the applicable technique in front of the group. It was fascinating to see these dans in action as they performed bunkai at the snap of a finger. Not knowing which kata or bunkai sequence would be called, it was almost like watching a live test. While watching the high dans execute, it was clear that the IKKU’s, Leadership, Karate, and Bunkai are second to none in the traditional martial arts circles.
Following the events of the day, it was then time to unwind and sit down with close friends for an evening of sharing and friendship. Closing out this special day of test, promotions, and knowledge gives us all time to reflect on where we came from and where we are on our own path. Although we all come from corners of the world, we have something in common that binds us eternally together; the art of the empty hand.
Additional IKKU Information:
Don’t forget our next upcoming event which is the 2018 IKKU Winter Camp. The event is scheduled January 12 – 14, 2018, in Carrollton, GA, hosted by Robinson Karate Dojo.
For information about joining the IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union then please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-10 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, founder of the IKKU and other High Dan Instructors from the IKKU.
For a full listing of upcoming scheduled sessions please visit our Events Page. Here we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.